Effect of trifluoperazine on growth, morphogenesis and pathogenicity of Candida albicans

The calmodulin inhibitors trifluoperazine (TFP), chlorpromazine (CPZ) and R24571 inhibited the yeast-to-mycelial transition of Candida albicans in vitro. This dimorphic switch is thought to potentiate the invasion of host tissues in superficial and systemic candidosis. Growth of six strains of C. albicans and a range of other pathogenic and saprophytic fungi was inhibited by TFP in vitro with an MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) of 25 mg kg-1 dose-1, too large to be considered of therapeutic value. This is in contrast to previous reports describing protective effects of TFP against candidiasis. Therefore, although TFP can inhibit growth and dimorphism of C. albicans in vitro, we conclude that this calmodulin antagonist is unsuitable as a chemotherapeutic agent.